Million Dollar Student Assistance Fundraiser Launched by Adventist University in Jamaica
22 July 2020 | Jamaica’s Northern Caribbean University (NCU) is attempting to raise $1 million US dollars to help students who are struggling to come up with tuition money due to the financial devastation wrought by the coronavirus.
Four thousand students attend the Adventist school’s main campus in Mandeville.
The campaign raised USD $350,000 in pledges and donations on May 24, 2020, with a “media-thon” broadcast on numerous platforms. This broke a record for funds raised by the school in a single fundraiser day. The goal is to reach the USD $1 million mark by July 31.
NCU’s global alumni network was tapped for the COVID-19 Scholarship Fund.
NCU President Lincoln Edwards highlighted loss of income from literature evangelism and overseas work, as well as challenges from a crippled tourism industry and suffering in other industries. In addition, Edwards said Adventist conferences that typically support NCU are themselves facing reduced revenues.
The media-thon that launched the fundraiser was titled a Gesture of Care. It was broadcast live on NCU social media platforms, as well as NCU FM and TV, featuring several performers.
“The overwhelming response from our donors and participants, as well as the endorsements from a wide range of people with statements in support of student scholarship, gives clear evidence of the compelling reason why we initiated this campaign,” said Harold Clayton, alumni federation president, according to the Inter-American division’s report.
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness (himself an Adventist) and Peter Bunting, member of parliament for Central Manchester, where NCU is based, supported the fundraiser.
“As we express sincere appreciation to all who contributed to this massive campaign launch, we are now inspired to press on to our goal and to raise over one million dollars by July 31, 2020,” said the alumni federation president. “We now invite all friends and alumni to join us as a donor and fundraiser.”
To donate funds for students at NCU, visit ncualumnifederation.com
